September 11, 2023
Chicago Cubs – As expected, Adbert Alzolay got the day off after pitching in two straight, and the Cubs used Jose Cuas, Mark Leiter Jr., Hayden Wesneski, and Julian Merryweather (in that order) to get the game’s final 10 outs. It was Merryweather’s first save of the season, and he’ll likely share 8th inning chances with Leiter going forward, with occasional save opportunities mixed in.
Hierarchy remains: Alzolay | Leiter Jr. | Merryweather.
San Diego Padres – Robert Suarez returns today from his 10-game suspension and should slot back in to his previous high-leverage role.
Updated hierarchy: Hader | Suarez | Barlow.
Seattle Mariners – Andres Munoz is dealing with some hip discomfort and might not pitch for a day or two. Look for Matt Brash to get opportunities in the mean time; we’ll send an alert if Munoz is going to miss significant time.
Hierarchy remains: Munoz | Brash | Topa.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Matt Brash – See above.
2. Jordan Hicks – Jordan Romano has gone in two of three, racking up 57 pitches in the process.
3. Jason Foley – Alex Lange has gone back to back.
4. Jose Soriano – Same for Carlos Estevez.
5. AJ Minter – The Braves have a doubleheader…
6. Jose Alvarado – …against the Phillies.
7. AJ Puk – Tanner Scott and Andrew Nardi have both seen heavy workloads of late and might be down today.
Tomorrow
1. Colin Poche – If Pete Fairbanks goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Tyler Rogers – Same for Camilo Doval.
3. Tommy Kahnle – If Clay Holmes goes today, it’s back to back.
4. Aaron Bummer – Same for Gregory Santos…
5. Brooks Raley/Drew Smith – …and Adam Ottavino and Brooks Raley…
6. Lucas Sims – …and Alexis Diaz…
7. Joel Payamps – …and Devin Williams.